NFL playoffs schedule, bracket update for conference championship games

On January 26, 2025By Littum

The scene is almost set.

Just two more games stand in the way of deciding the battle for Super Bowl 59, which will whittle the 14-team bracket down to just two finalists on Sunday night. The remaining four teams, two in each conference, each come with their own stories in what has been a wild season.

The Bills survived a comeback attempt by the Ravens and went on to the AFC Championship Game to contend Patrick Mahomes and that chiefs for the ninth time since 2020. Meanwhile in the NFC, the upstart Commanders continue to march and can now take on their division rivals in Philadelphia and take on Eagles.

It’s a weekend that brings plenty of intrigue and some great quarterbacks, especially as Jayden Daniels looks to become the first rookie quarterback to start a Super Bowl.

The cold winter rages on as the NFL playoffs heat up. Here’s what you need to know about the conference championship weekend schedule and how the bracket looks heading into the final weeks of the season.

What NFL playoff games are this weekend?

Only four teams remain in the hunt for the Super Bowl. Here are the weekend’s matches:

AFC Championship Game

NFC Championship Game

NFL Conference Championship Round Schedule

The NFL’s conference championship weekend is scheduled for Sunday, with both games set to go back-to-back.

Below is a complete look at the NFL’s conference championship weekend schedule.

Sunday NFL playoff games

Updated NFL playoff bracket

Two teams remain in each conference, with only one set to advance to the Super Bowl. NFC’s top seed Lions was knocked out of the postseason last week, giving the Eagles an extra home game in their quest to become champions.

There are familiar matchups on both sides of the bracket. The Bills and Chiefs renew their rivalry in Kansas City, while the Commanders and Eagles meet for the third time this season in an NFC East-themed game.

Here’s a look at the updated 2025 NFL playoff bracket:

AFC playoff bracket

NFC playoff bracket

How do the NFL playoffs work?

The NFL playoffs are constantly changing and evolving as the postseason progresses. Both no. 1 seeds, one in each conference, earn a bye week to begin their playoff schedule. This is a departure from the old format where the top two seeds were awarded bye weeks.

Matchups are determined by seeding, as the bracket is not a fixed one that is common in other sports. It provides a wide variety of outcomes, especially if upsets occur throughout the playoffs.

When will the Super Bowl game be known?

The stage will be set for Super Bowl 59 on Sunday night after its conclusion Chiefs vs. Bill’s game in Kansas City.

Full NFL playoff schedule

The NFL playoffs kicked off on Saturday, January 11 with the league’s wild card weekend and will conclude on February 9 with Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans.

Below is a look at the schedule, scores and results for that contest.

Wild card round

All times eastern

Saturday 11 January

Sunday, January 12

Monday, January 13

Divisional round

Saturday 18 January

Sunday, January 19

Conference championship round

Sunday, January 26

Super Bowl 59

Date: 9 February 2025
Location: Caesars Superdome (New Orleans)
Time: 18:30
TV: FOX